Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We invite you to add your comments - if you have feedback for the blog, would like some specific topics covered, or you just want to share your experience as a parent dealing with childhood obesity.

Friday, April 27, 2007

U.S. Health Officials Unveil New Nutrition Standards

Federal school meal programs have had to adhere to specific standards for years, but food and snacks that aren't part of a federal program have not. Today, U.S. Health Officials took their first steps to correct this and improve the overall health and nutritional value of food, beverages, and snacks offered in public schools.
"The committee authoring this report first divided foods and beverages into two tiers, based on how well they conform to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Tier 1 foods and beverages provide at least one serving of fruit, vegetable and/or whole grains or non fat/low-fat dairy. Tier 2 items do not meet Tier 1 specifications but aren't entirely outside dietary intake recommendations. These might include baked potato chips, low-sodium whole wheat crackers or animal crackers."
Lisa Harper Mallonee, a registered dietician, says the recommendations are wonderful but also emphasized the importance of getting schools and parents working to implement the recommendations. Read more online.

Labels: nutrition, schools, health_officials

Posted By: Aspen Education Group